HC Deb 11 January 1916 vol 77 c1428
45. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Prime Minister whether Irishmen whose residence is for the time being in Great Britain are exempt from the compulsory service Bill now before the House; and, if not, will he take the necessary steps to have them excluded?

Mr. BIRRELL

I refer the hon. Member to Clause 1, Sub-section (la), and to Clause 1 of the First Schedule to the Bill.

Mr. BYRNE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he could say whether Irishmen who were sent over to England by their trade unions at the outbreak of the War eighteen months ago for the purpose of carrying out war work, and are still resident in Great Britain, would be excluded from compulsory service?

Mr. BIRRELL

Those are questions which will have to be considered at the Committee stage. The draft Bill is before the House.